This past year as Miss Liberal 2013, has been one of the most remarkable learning experiences of my life. My duties began the very next day I was crowned Miss Liberal 2013. All of a sudden my life was going to become a little bit more interesting and a lot more hectic.

Little did I know I was in for an experience of a lifetime. Pictures on the front page of the newspapers: I didn't know whether to scream with excitement or the fact that one of the photographs was my full body swimsuit pose from the competition.

Definitely out of my comfort zone, but that is what this marvelous organization taught me this past year. There are times that when accomplishing your goals and achieving big things in life means stepping out of your comfort zone.

My goal at each of my appearances was to simply make an impact on ‘one’ individual – with that, I knew my job of Miss Liberal was accomplished.

It was so important to me to make a positive impact on individuals for the fact that I was the voice, representative and face for this wonderful community. I wanted to radiate who I was in the inside to others, because that is the young lady this town has molded.

I pray to God I did so and continue on doing so because my endeavors don't end here. I will continue to convey my platform with the tools I have gained this past year.

I am beyond fortunate to have been given this opportunity. I want to start with thanking the good Lord for blessing me with everything I have, especially for the amazing people in my life.

Mom and dad, I don’t know how to ever repay you for everything you have given me. Your support, encouragement, patience, guidance and unconditional love motivate me to stride for success every day.

My beautiful and wonderful sisters, my nieces and nephews who are always right behind me cheering me on, and of course, my personal photographer who I would catch and stress out at the last minute, Enrique Rodriquez.

And JoAnne Mansell for all the support and guidance you have given me over the years.

Last but not least, I want to thank you, the community of Liberal. An infinite thanks to the sponsors, who make the pageant so successful, the pageant board and Lu Haynes who devote so much time into this program. Thank you Liberal for making my year of service so memorable.

I will pass down the crown, but I will continue to represent good ol’ Liberal, Kansas, and make the town proud by simply being “That Giovanna Baca!”

I am so grateful and honored to have had been your Miss Liberal 2013. Liberal will always have a special place in my heart. What can I say, “There’s No Place Like Home.”

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About The High Plains Daily Leader

The High Plains Daily Leader and Southwest Daily Times are published Sunday through Friday and reaches homes throughout the Liberal, Kansas retail trade zone. The Leader & Times is the official newspaper of Seward County, USD No. 480, USD No. 483 and the cities of Liberal and Kismet. The Leader & Times is a member of the Liberal Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas Press Association and the Associated Press.

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